Browse Tag

National Parks

67 Articles
A scenic view of a waterfall flowing into a vibrant turquoise pool surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush green trees.
A scenic view of a waterfall flowing into a vibrant turquoise pool surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush green trees.

Johnston Canyon Hike

September 10, 2017
No Comment

JOHNSTON CANYON, BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADA :: Gorge-ous hike through a narrow canyon via cantilevered walkways overlooking a brilliant blue river and two waterfalls! ✖ A...

Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls

February 1, 2016
No Comment

WAIMOKU FALLS, HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: The Pipiwai Trail took us through lush jungle, past a giant banyan tree, and into a dense bamboo forest, where the tall stalks...

A scenic panoramic view of desert cliffs and rocky terrain seen through an open natural arch.
A scenic panoramic view of desert cliffs and rocky terrain seen through an open natural arch.

Moab

April 3, 2014
2 Comments

MOAB, UT :: One spectacular day in Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Arrived prior to sunrise at Mesa Arch, followed the faint trail to False Kiva, and then hiked the...

People standing on a wooden platform overlooking a powerful waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff in the Pacific Northwest.
People standing on a wooden platform overlooking a powerful waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff in the Pacific Northwest.

Marymere Falls

February 11, 2014
No Comment

MARYMERE FALLS, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: The trail to Marymere Falls crossed mossy bridges and wintery forest before reaching the frozen waterfall tucked into the trees. ✖...

Children sitting in small camping chairs outdoors, eating from a bowl with a tent and campsite in the background.
Children sitting in small camping chairs outdoors, eating from a bowl with a tent and campsite in the background.

Camping at Mt. Rainier

August 21, 2013
No Comment

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Lauren and Miranda's first camping trip! ✖ Family Hiking on a Forest Bridge Family Camping Trip in the Woods Vibrant red and blue light...

A scenic view of a snow-covered hiking trail winding through a dense evergreen forest. Tall, frost-covered trees stand against a clear winter sky.
A scenic view of a snow-covered hiking trail winding through a dense evergreen forest. Tall, frost-covered trees stand against a clear winter sky.

Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe

January 29, 2012
No Comment

HURRICANE RIDGE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Returning to snowshoe one of my favorite winter landscapes while trying not to slide down the steep slopes! ✖ Backcountry Skiing on...

Hikers with backpacks navigate a narrow trail through lush evergreen trees and melting snowfields under a vast blue sky.
Hikers with backpacks navigate a narrow trail through lush evergreen trees and melting snowfields under a vast blue sky.

High Divide Loop

September 4, 2011
No Comment

HIGH DIVIDE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: The High Divide Loop delivered alpine lakes, steep ridges, and enormous Olympic views around nearly every bend. ✖ A Serene Pacific...

Tourists walking along a sandy trail to Mesa Arch in the Utah desert.
Tourists walking along a sandy trail to Mesa Arch in the Utah desert.

Zion National Park

November 27, 2009
One Comment

SOUTHWEST FAMILY VACATION DAYS 2 & 3 :: ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: After our early-morning hike through Bryce Canyon and a great Thanksgiving lunch at Ruby’s Inn, we...

Stunning view of Bryce Canyon's unique rock formations under a clear sky.
Stunning view of Bryce Canyon's unique rock formations under a clear sky.

Bryce Canyon

November 26, 2009
No Comment

SOUTHWEST FAMILY VACATION DAYS 1 & 2 :: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UT :: This Thanksgiving we spent some time with my parents, but not just for a large meal...

Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.
Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.

Eureka Dunes

October 23, 2009
One Comment

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After exploring the Racetrack, I drove in pitch darkness to Eureka Dunes and camped there overnight. I was a little spooked out by being...

A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com
A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com

The Racetrack

October 22, 2009
No Comment

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Kristie attended another education conference in Los Angeles, which we somehow magically coordinated with U2’s concert at the Rose Bowl...

A picturesque stone château perched on a hillside overlooking a serene river, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
A picturesque stone château perched on a hillside overlooking a serene river, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Sand Point

July 18, 2009
2 Comments

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I joined some friends for a weekend of hiking and camping on the Olympic Coast. Our destination was Sand Point via the Ozette Triangle. A...

Jungle Zip-Line

November 28, 2008
No Comment

UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 5 :: TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, PETEN DEPARTMENT, GUATEMALA :: On our way back to Belize from Tikal, we stopped at Canopy Tours just outside the gates of...

Hikers walking beneath a large, orange rock overhang in the desert. The group is cast in shadow while the canyon below is bathed in sunlight.
Hikers walking beneath a large, orange rock overhang in the desert. The group is cast in shadow while the canyon below is bathed in sunlight.

Tikal

November 28, 2008
No Comment

UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 5 :: TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, PETEN DEPARTMENT, GUATEMALA :: Today we visited the magnificent ruins at Tikal, the largest city of the ancient Mayan...

A large orchestra performing on stage with a choir behind them, illuminated by stage lights.
A large orchestra performing on stage with a choir behind them, illuminated by stage lights.

Hoh River Trail

October 12, 2008
One Comment

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: This weekend I backpacked the Hoh River Trail with Jacob, Jayson and Pat, three great friends for over 20 years now. We camped two nights...

Silhouette of Haystack Rock at sunrise with smooth wet sand
Silhouette of Haystack Rock at sunrise with smooth wet sand

Point of Arches

September 6, 2008
8 Comments

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I joined a few buddies from work for a weekend at Point of Arches and Shi Shi Beach, certainly one of the most spectacular beaches...

A band performs live on stage with vibrant lighting effects.
A band performs live on stage with vibrant lighting effects.

Klapatche to Cougar Rock

August 2, 2008
One Comment

THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 3 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We started our third day early on another cold and misty morning. Today would be a challenge, requiring...

The photo is of a quiet street in a small town with a prominent Casa Blanca sign. Below is a vintage Coca-Cola sign.
The photo is of a quiet street in a small town with a prominent Casa Blanca sign. Below is a vintage Coca-Cola sign.

Golden Lakes to Klapatche

August 1, 2008
2 Comments

THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 2 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We were still in good spirits as we began our second day on The Wonderland Trail, although the...

A serene meadow filled with white spire-shaped wildflowers against a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. Tall evergreen trees frame the landscape.
A serene meadow filled with white spire-shaped wildflowers against a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. Tall evergreen trees frame the landscape.

Mowich Lake to Golden Lakes

July 31, 2008
No Comment

THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 1 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We were in high spirits as we began our much anticipated and ambitious attempt of The Wonderland Trail....

A wooden walkway winds through vibrant red dunes under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A wooden walkway winds through vibrant red dunes under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Painted Hills

July 2, 2008
5 Comments

JOHN DAY FOSSIL BED NATIONAL MONUMENT, OR :: After a long drive through the Columbia River Gorge and Central Oregon’s scenic high desert, I arrived at Painted Hills. Pulling...

John taking a selfie with a thumbs-up gesture against a stunning volcanic landscape backdrop. The mountains feature varied textures and colors, under a partly cloudy sky.
John taking a selfie with a thumbs-up gesture against a stunning volcanic landscape backdrop. The mountains feature varied textures and colors, under a partly cloudy sky.

Haleakala

September 10, 2007
2 Comments

MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano, with a summit 10,023 feet above sea level, and an additional 30,000...

A panoramic view of a dramatic sky with scattered clouds above a rugged landscape of rocks and dirt. The sun shines brightly through the clouds.
A panoramic view of a dramatic sky with scattered clouds above a rugged landscape of rocks and dirt. The sun shines brightly through the clouds.

Sunset on Haleakala

September 10, 2007
One Comment

MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Our vacation in Maui has finally reached its end. The last item on our itinerary was a dazzling sunset from...

A serene path winds through a dense bamboo forest. Sunlight filters through the green stalks, creating a peaceful ambiance.
A serene path winds through a dense bamboo forest. Sunlight filters through the green stalks, creating a peaceful ambiance.

Waimoku Falls

September 9, 2007
2 Comments

MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Our final destination of the day was Waimoku Falls via the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. The trailhead is...

A serene beach scene featuring a coiled rope on the sand. In the background, sea stacks are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky.
A serene beach scene featuring a coiled rope on the sand. In the background, sea stacks are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky.

Point of Arches

August 26, 2007
5 Comments

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Kristie and I enjoyed a weekend backpacking with our friends to Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. Getting there requires a long, winding drive...

A serene image of traditional East Asian architecture, featuring ornate green-tiled roofs and intricate stone carvings.
A serene image of traditional East Asian architecture, featuring ornate green-tiled roofs and intricate stone carvings.

San Francisco Chinatown

May 28, 2007
No Comment

SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: After my hike up Yosemite’s Half Dome, I had an extra day to explore downtown San Francisco. I started with a dim sum lunch at Yank...

Our site uses cookies. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.